Google Pixel Watch 4 earns rare smartwatch repairability score from iFixit

The Google Pixel Watch 4 launched as a new smartwatch with a minor spec refresh over the predecessor. While the improvements may not seem groundbreaking on paper, the company heavily emphasized the easy repairability of the wearable, and iFixit has now confirmed the claims.

iFixit found that, unlike most smartwatches on the market, the Google Pixel Watch 4 uses gasket seals and screws instead of glue to keep the housing shut. This design choice represents a significant improvement in terms of repairability. Of course, this not-so-standardized design may raise concerns about the chassis falling apart on its own.

However, as iFixit showcased, the screws actuate a pair of hinged arms, which hold the back panel firmly in place. To ensure proper protection against water, Google has hidden these screws under band lugs and dedicated o-rings to keep the inside of the smartwatch shut.

Another impressive design aspect is that even the battery of the Google Pixel Watch 4 is held in place with screws. Most smartwatches, on the other hand, use a ton of adhesive, which makes it very difficult to replace the batteries, even if they could be disassembled.

As for the other components, the story remains the same, and as iFixit highlights, everything inside appears to be designed with replaceability in mind. All these made the Google Pixel Watch 4 get a 9 out of 10 score in iFixit's repairability scale. This is a very rare score for smartwatches, as most of the other watches torn down by the team earned 3 or 4.

Of course, this high repairability score might not be enough to justify a switch for those with a Pixel Watch 3 (41 mm curr. $199.99 on Amazon) or 2. After all, the new smartwatch doesn't come with much different hardware. However, this is a good start, and if Google sticks with this design, its upcoming smartwatches, with improved hardware, might be more worthy than the current-gen offering.